The ideal sea change

Roberts 225 feels like a holiday escape

A two-storey home that feels like a holiday escape was the perfect choice for this family of five

If you were planning to build in a coastal location, why wouldn't you choose a home design that made it feel like you were constantly on holiday? For South Coast couple Kevin and Debbie Mulcahy and their family, this was the mindset behind their decision to build with Sarah Homes.

"We wanted something that would give us an all around holiday feel," Kevin says. "A two-storey home with balconies was a must and having them face in different directions means we can make the most of the weather no matter the time of day or time of year."

The couple decided to build Sarah Homes' Roberts 2-Storey, a four -bedroom, two-bathroom design with 213sqm of living area. Although suited to a courtyard allotment, the llm wide design also proves ideal for a larger block as it provides plenty of space for gardens and storage solutions, such as the large shed the couple have incorporated on to their block.

"We extended both balconies, making the side balcony double as a space for car parking underneath and we added another bathroom upstairs and a walk-in pantry, " Kevin says. Attracted by the high ceilings and open space of the Roberts 2-Storey display home at Victor Harbor, the couple were also drawn to the builder given its fantastic reputation.

"The size, with a few modifications, was the type of home we were after," Kevin says. The family's home features three bedrooms on the lower level, along with a family lounge at the rear, a bathroom, a separate toilet and a spacious laundry. Meanwhile, upstairs is a haven for entertaining and spending time with family. A living and dining area connects to the luxurious kitchen, with stunning industrial style pendant lights above the breakfast bar and dining table.

Two balconies flow out from the kitchen and living area, expanding the space available and providing the ideal place to entertain friends and family while enjoy views outdoors. Although choosing the design was a relatively simple process, the couple did encounter issues with their allotment which setback the overall construction.

Taking a little under a year to build, Kevin says the initial soil samples did not account for the large amount of rock beneath the block's surface - however, the additional cost for the removal was "more than reasonable". Despite this unexpected setback, the couple says the build process moved quickly once the block's issues were resolved.

"It was great having the building supervisor John Zappia going in to bat for us on a number of occasions, it was a pretty big build and we know things won't always go according to plan - so having someone on your side was a big plus," Kevin says. Having lived in their home for just over a year -and-a-half, the family has created a lovely space that oozes a sense of relaxation and calm. The interior features industrial elements, such as the pendant lighting and striking dark-toned kitchen, and a light and bright colour scheme, allowing the couple to play around with home trends.

Given the chance to build again, Kevin says the only thing he would change would be building "years ago" and they would like to implement more green energy over the next few years. "We will install solar in time to come and make more of the recycled water we have installed," he says.

Living with their children - Beau, Declan and Bridie - Kevin says their home works perfectly for their family, but they are sure it will meet their needs into the future too. "It is one of those houses where you really do feel relaxed, we are still quite a few years away from retirement, but I'd like to think this place suits that part of our life in time to come as well," Kevin says. 'We are really happy with what we have got here."

 

21-Apr-19 - The Sunday Mail Home Magazine

For more information about the house in this story please look at the Roberts 225.

 

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